Amid the rising cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle in Pune district, authorities have ramped up vaccination drives and biosecurity protocols. District Collector Jitendra Dudi has instructed officials to strengthen preventive and containment efforts in all affected talukas, following a recent review meeting with the Animal Husbandry Department.
As of July 22, a total of 906 cases have been reported in the district. Of these, 591 animals have recovered post-treatment, while 15 have succumbed to the disease. Around 300 cattle are currently under medical care, with case numbers continuing to rise. The talukas of Shirur, Ambegaon, and Junnar have emerged as the worst-hit, with rapid spread being recorded, according to the news agency ANI.
To curb further transmission, Collector Dudi has mandated ring vaccination in a 5-kilometre radius of infection hotspots, deployment of additional veterinary staff in understaffed areas, and strict enforcement of barn sanitation, disinfection, and other biosecurity norms. He also urged cattle owners to promptly report any suspected cases and avail treatment through the toll-free helpline 1962.
“LSD can be effectively contained with prompt treatment of infected animals, rigorous biosecurity, and 100% vaccination in affected areas,” Dudi said. “We have learned from past experiences that strict adherence to these measures prevents the disease from spreading further,” reported news agency ANI.
To bolster the containment efforts, the District Collector has declared infected villages and nearby areas as `Controlled Zones`, under central government guidelines. Movement of infected or exposed animals, fodder, hides, or related materials from these zones has been strictly prohibited.
Further, any sale, purchase, or participation of cattle in markets, races, fairs, or exhibitions will only be permitted if the animals are vaccinated with the Goat Pox vaccine (Uttarkashi strain) at least 28 days in advance, and are accompanied by a valid vaccination certificate and health report from a certified veterinarian, as per ANI.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry Dr Ankush Parihar, Pune district has a cattle population of 8.46 lakh. In the ongoing 2025-26 vaccination drive, 5.80 lakh doses of the Goat Pox vaccine have been distributed and 5.70 lakh animals have been vaccinated. Additional doses are being procured to cover the remaining and newly affected areas.
The Chief Minister`s Animal Health Scheme and a centrally funded unit are providing doorstep treatment services through six mobile veterinary teams. Sufficient stock of essential medicines is also available at all government veterinary institutions.
District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Vishnu Garje, assistant commissioners, and taluka-level officers are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating field operations, as per ANI.
The administration has urged all livestock owners to cooperate fully with the authorities to contain the spread of LSD and ensure the health and safety of their animals.
(With ANI inputs)